Changes to staffing levels are part of a plan announced Friday as officials at Sidney Public Schools work to close an expected $600,000 funding gap in the budget for the coming school year.
Superintendent Andrew Farber issued a letter Friday, outlining numerous decisions that have been made by the District after careful evaluation and adjustments to current spending, as well as programming for the 2024-25 school year.
Among the changes are reductions in administrative expenses, which includes a decision not to hire a new principal at North Elementary, and asking school-related clubs like DECA, FFA and HOSA to offset the expense of experiences outside the classroom.
The Cool Kids Club will be discontinued at the end of the current school year, and while bussing will continue, it will be modified and streamlined for ‘in-town’ routes within four miles of the district.
A decision regarding the future of North Elementary is anticipated in April, but if the school does not close, 3rd grade classes would be moved to South Elementary, and 4th graders would get their instruction at West Elementary.
Farber says with a loss of funding at this level, unfortunately staffing will be impacted, with the district initially utilizing attrition and individual retirements to offset the expense of staff, as well as merging some positions and filling others from within if possible.
The district has made the decision to not fund multiple extra-duty/extracurricular positions for the 2024 school year, including coaching/sponsor positions and various club and coordinator positions.
Farber said throughout the process, the district’s goal has been to engage in a thoughtful process that allows for adjustments to our school budget while minimizing the impact on classrooms and teaching/staffing positions.
He concluded by thanking residents and school patrons for their continued partnership and support in shaping the future of the district.
